Postecoglou leaves Socceroos

An emotional Ange Postecoglou quit as Australia coach Wednesday, just days after guiding the team to a World Cup spot and leaving them only months to find a replacement for the tournament in Russia.

The 52-year-old Australian did not reveal the reason behind his decision, which had been widely expected after he repeatedly refused to deny reports he was about to stepping down.

His departure, at the end of a five-year contract, leaves the Asian champions in turmoil ahead of the June-July World Cup, where they will hope to improve on their three straight defeats in 2014.

Postecoglou gave no details about his future plans, beyond saying he hoped to coach a club overseas. But he said he felt it was "the right time" to leave.

"After a great deal of thought and soul-searching, I've decided that the journey for me ends as Socceroo coach," he told a press conference in Sydney.

"It's been the biggest privilege of my life and probably not the ending I had envisaged when we started, but at the same time, knowing it's the right time for me and the right decision."

Postecoglou brushed aside questions about whether he had been affected by media criticism, and denied any conflict with Football Federation Australia.